Emerging CO2-Mineralization Technologies for Co-Utilization of Industrial Solid Waste and Carbon Resources in China

CO2 mineralization (aka mineral carbonation) is a promising method for the chemical sequestration of CO2 via reaction with oxides of alkaline or alkaline-earth metals to form carbonates. It has documented advantages over similar technological solutions to climate change. The huge amount of industrial solid waste, as a serious environmental issue confronted by China, can provide additional alkalinity sources for CO2 mineralization. In this study, we present an overview of the latest advances in the emerging technologies of CO2-mineralization via industrial solid waste in China, from the perspective of both theoretical and practical considerations. We summarize the types of industrial solid waste that are used (mainly coal fly ash, steel slag, phosphogypsum, and blast furnace slag) and the technological options available in the literature, with an emphasis on the discussion of the involved process-intensification methods and valuable chemicals produced. Furthermore, we illustrate the current status of pertinent policies, and research and development activities in China. Finally, we identify the current knowledge gaps, particularly in understanding the overall sustainability performance of these CO2-mineralization technologies, and indicate that the technical, economic, and environmental challenges of promoting and commercializing these technologies for the co-utilization of industrial solid waste and carbon resources call for, amongst other things, more joint efforts by chemists, chemical engineers, and environmental scientists, and more feedback from the energy and industrial sectors.

Automated summary

CO2 mineralization is a promising method for chemical sequestration of CO2, utilizing industrial solid waste as additional alkalinity sources. This study provides an overview of the latest advances in CO2-mineralization technologies using industrial solid waste in China, including types of waste, technological options, policies, and research activities. Addressing current knowledge gaps in sustainability and promoting commercialization of these technologies will require joint efforts from various disciplines and sectors.